Big 5 Sporting Goods Set to Go Private in $112.7 Million Acquisition Deal

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. is set to become a private company after shareholders approved a $112.7 million acquisition deal with Worldwide Golf Group and Capitol Hill Group. The all-cash deal values each share at $1.45. The retailer operates 410 stores in the western US and sells athletic shoes, apparel, and equipment. The acquisition follows other high-profile go-private deals in the footwear industry this year, including Nordstrom and Skechers.

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corp. (NASDAQ: BGFV) stockholders have approved the acquisition of the company by Worldwide Golf Group and Capitol Hill Group in an all-cash deal valued at $112.7 million. The transaction, which includes the assumption of $71.4 million in credit line borrowings, will result in Big 5 becoming a privately held company Big 5 Sporting Goods to go private by Worldwide Golf Group acquisition^[1].

The acquisition agreement values each share at $1.45, representing a 36% premium to the company's 60-day volume-weighted average price. The deal was approved by a majority of shareholders at a special meeting held on September 26, 2025, with 12,160,662 votes in favor, 1,965,126 against, and 159,636 abstentions. The merger is expected to close on or around September 30, 2025 Big 5 Is Getting its Wish to Go Private^[2].

Big 5 Sporting Goods operates 410 stores in the western United States, offering a wide range of athletic shoes, apparel, and equipment. The acquisition follows a series of high-profile go-private deals in the footwear industry this year, including Nordstrom and Skechers Big 5 Sporting Goods shareholders approve merger with Worldwide Sports Group^[3].

The transition to private ownership may provide Big 5 with more operational flexibility and focused management. However, it also raises concerns about reduced transparency and potential limitations on future access to capital. The deal could impact Big 5's ability to retain key personnel and divert management's attention away from day-to-day operations Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation Stockholders Approve Acquisition by Worldwide Golf Group^[4].

Big 5's stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange once the acquisition is complete. The company's financial filings can be found on the SEC's website .